Dodge Viper
The Ultimate Guide & Research Hub
While it was a relatively short-lived car, the Dodge Viper certainly made a mark. Its roaring horsepower and jaw-dropping speed made it a favorite of drivers who wanted to fly down the road. The heart of the car was a V-10 engine, which provided an impressive amount of power to the light sports car.
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Overview & History
The Dodge Viper is a two-seat sports car, the most powerful production car made by Ddoge. Viper production began at New Mack Assembly in 1992 and moved ot its current home at Connor Avenue Assembly in October 1995. The Viper's biggest rival is the Chevrolet Corvette.
The Viper was conceived as a modern take on the classic American muscle car. While there are some who insist that the iconic AC Cobra was a source of inspiration, the final version of the Viper was far too large and heavy to seriously claim any direct lineage with the compact and lightweight vehicle. Most saw claims to kinship with the cobra as a marketing exercise, although Carroll Shelby was involved in the initial design of the Viper.
The Viper was initially conceived in late 1987 at Chrysler's Advanced Design Studios. The following February, Chrysler president Bob Lutz suggested to Tom Gale at Chrysler Design that the company should consider producing a modern Cobra, and a clay model was presented to Lutz a few months later. The car appeared as a concept at the Norht American International Auto Show in 1989, and public reaction was so enthusiastic, that chief engineer Roy Sjeoberg was directed to develop it as a production car.
Sjoberg selected 85 engineers to be "Team Viper", with development beginning in March 1989. The team asked the then-Chrysler subsidiary Lamborghini to cast a prototype aluminum block for the sports car to use in May. The production body was completed in fall 1989, with a chassis prototype running in December. Though a V8 engine was first used in the test mule the V10 engine, which the production car was meant to use, was ready in February 1990. Official approval from Chrysler chairman Lee Ioaccoca came in May 1990. One year later, Carroll Shelby piloted a pre production car as the pace vehicle in the Indianapolis 500 race. In November 1991, the car was released to reviewers with the first retail shipments beginning in January 1992.
The first prototype was tested in January 1989. It debuted in 1991 with two pre production models as the pace car for the Indianapolis 500 when Dodge was forced to substitute it in place of the Japanese-built Dodge Stealth because of complaints from the United Auto Workers and went on sale in January 1992 as the RT/10 Roadster.
Lamborghini (then owned by Chrysler) helped with the design of the V10 engine for the Viper, which was based on the Chrysler's LA V8 engine. A major contributor to the Viper since the beginning was Dick Winkles, the chief power engineer, who had spent time in Italy.
Originally engineered to be a performance car, the Viper contained no exterior-mounted door handlesor key cylinders and no air conditioning (however, this was added as an option in later models, and climate controls featured a "snowflake" icon, which indicated a potential setting for the A/C). The roof was made from canvas, and the windows were made from vinyl and used zippers to open and close, much like the Jeep Wrangler. However, the Viper was still equipped with some domestic features, including manually-adjustable sport leather-trimmed bucket seats with lumbar support, an AM-FM stereo cassette player with clock and high fidelity sound system, and interior carpeting. Aluminum alloy wheels were larger in diameter due to the larger brakes. A lightweight fiberglass hard roof option on later models was also available to cover the canvas soft roof, and was shipped with each new car. There were also no airbags in the interest of weight reduction. Adjustable performance suspension was also an available option for most Vipers.
The engine weighs 711 lb (323 kg) and generates a maximum power output of 400 hp (406 PS; 298 kW) at 4,600 rpm and 465 lb⋅ft (630 N⋅m) at 3,600 rpm, and due to the long-gearing allowed by the engine, provides fuel economy at a US EPA rated 12 mpg‑US (20 L/100 km; 14 mpg‑imp) in the city and 20 mpg‑US (12 L/100 km; 24 mpg‑imp) on the highway.The body is a tubular steel frame with resin transfer moulding (RTM) fiberglass panels. The car has a curb weight of 3,284 lb (1,490 kg) and lacks modern driver aids such as traction control and anti-lock brakes. The SR I can accelerate from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 4.2 seconds, 0–100 mph (0–161 km/h) in 9.2 seconds, can complete the 1/4 mile in 12.6 seconds at the speed of 113.8 mph (183.1 km/h) and has a maximum speed of approximately 165 mph (266 km/h).Its large tires allow the car to average close to one lateral g lin corners, placing it among the elite cars of its day. However, the car proves tricky to drive at high speeds, particularly for the unskilled drivers.
Second generation models increased ingine power, improved suspension, and reduced braking distances; the 1996 to 2002 Viper GTS has a 450 BHP engine, which could complete the quarter mile .7 seconds faster and incerased top speed by 22pmg or so. A number of third party firms have modified the car to boost performance.
Later in the 1996 model year, Dodge introduced the Viper GTS, a new coupe version of the Viper RT/10. Dubbed the “double bubble”, the roof featured slightly raised sections that looked like bubbles to accommodate the usage of helmets and taking design cues from the Shelby Daytona designed by Pete Brook. More than 90% of the GTS was new in comparison to the RT/10 despite similar looks. The GTS would come with the same 7,990 cc (8.0 L; 487.6 cu in) V10 but power would be increased to 450 hp (336 kW; 456 PS) at 5,200 rpm and 490 lb⋅ft (664 N⋅m) of torque at 3,700 rpm. The 1996 GTS would be the first Viper to be equipped with airbags and also included air conditioning, power windows, and power door locks as standard equipment. The Viper GTS would be chosen as the pace car for the 1996 Indianapolis 500.
Minor updates would continue in 1997 and 1998. In 1997, the RT/10 would receive a power increase to 450 hp along with air-bags and power windows. In 1998, both of the versions of the Viper were equipped with second-generation air bags, revised exhaust manifolds (saving 24 lb (11 kg) over the previous cast iron components) along with a revised camshaft. For 1999, Dodge introduced the first ACR performance package.
In 2000, the Dodge Viper was updated to lighter hypereutectic pistons and received factory frame improvements. While the hypereutectic pistons provided less expansion, the forged pistons were preferred by customers for the supercharged and turbocharge aftermarket packages. TSB recalls (998 and 999) were done at local dealerships to repair the 1996 to 1999 Viper frames by adding gussets with rivets near the steering box. 2001 saw the addition of anti-lock braking system.
2002 would be the final year of the second generation of the Viper. Dodge would build 360 “Final Edition” cars (326 coupés and 34 ACR editions)to commemorate the final year. These models are painted red with white stripes paying tribute to the famous race-winning Oreca cars.
The Dodge Viper underwent a major redesign in 2002, courtesy of DaimlerChrysler's Street and Racing Technology group. Taking cues from the Dodge Viper GTS-R concept presented in 2000. The new Viper SRT-10, which replaced both the GTS and the RT/10, was heavily restyled with sharp, angled bodywork. The engine's displacement was increased to 8.3 L; 505.6 cu in (8,285 cc), which, with other upgrades, increased the maximum power output to 500 hp (507 PS; 373 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 525 lb⋅ft (712 N⋅m) of torque at 4,200 rpm. Despite the power increase, the engine weight was reduced to about 500 lb (230 kg). The chassis was also improved, becoming more rigid and weighing approximately 80 lb (36 kg) less than the previous model. An even lighter and stronger chassis was planned, but was abandoned because of cost. The initial model introduced was a convertible. In 2004, Dodge introduced a limited-edition Mamba package; Mamba-edition cars featured black interiors, with red stitching and trim, price increased by about $3,000. 200 cars with the Mamba package were produced.
The Viper SRT-10 Coupé was introduced at the 2005 Detroit Auto Show as a 2006 model. It shares many of its body panels with the convertible, but borrows its side and rear styling from the Competition Coupé concept. The coupé looks much like the previous Viper GTS and retains the "double-bubble" roof shape of the original along with the original GTS' tail lights, as well as offering the original GTS Blue with white stripes paint scheme on the initial run of First Edition cars like the original Viper coupé. The engine is SAE-certified to produce a maximum power output of 510 hp (517 PS; 380 kW) at 5,600 rpm and 535 lb⋅ft (725 N⋅m) of torque at 4,200 rpm. Unlike the original coupé, the chassis was not modified.
No cars were produced for the 2007 model year; instead, Chrysler extended production of the 2006 model while preparing the updated 2008 model.
In 2008, with the introduction of the 8,382 cc (8.4 L; 511.5 cu in) V10 engine, the power output was raised to 600 or 608 PS (600 or 608 PS; 592 or 600 hp) at 6,100 rpm and 560 lb⋅ft (759 N⋅m) of torque at 5,000 rpm. The engine also received better flowing heads with larger valves, Mechadyne cam-in-cam variable valve timing on the exhaust cam lobes, and dual electronic throttle bodies. The rev limit could be increased by 300 rpm due to the improved valvetrain stability from both the new camshaft profiles and valve-springs. The engine was developed with some external assistance from McLaren Automotive and Ricard Consulting Engineers. Electronic engine control was developed by Continental AG; the controller can monitor the crankshaft and cylinder position up to six times during each firing and has 10 times more processing power than the previous unit.
Changes outside of the engine were less extreme, but a distinction between the third and fourth generation of the Viper is the vented engine cover. The Tremec T56 transmission was replaced with a new Tremec TR6060 with triple first-gear synchronizers and doubles for higher gears. Another performance upgrade was the removal of run-flat tires. The new Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires increased grip and driver feedback and, along with revised suspentions (springs, anti-roll bars, and shock valving), made the Viper more neutral in cornering.
The modifications made to the 2008 model year car were enough for Chrysler to make it distinct from the first SRT-10, and the 2008 model became known as Gen IV, just in time for release with Chevrolet's 638 hp (476 kW) Corvette ZR1. Another notable change was the reworked exhaust system; previous third-generation cars had their exhaust crossover under the seats which resulted in a large amount of heat going into the cockpit, which was done initially to help improve the car's exhaust note, since the first two generations of the Viper, which had no crossover, were criticized for their lackluster exhaust notes. The car now featured a new exhaust system with no crossover, reducing the heat that entered the cockpit.
The electrical system was completely revised for 2008. Changes included a 180-amp alternator, twin electric cooling fans, electronic throttles, and completely new VENOM engine management systems. CAN bus architecture had been combined with pre-existing systems to allow for regulatory compliance. The fuel system was upgraded to include a higher-capacity fuel pump and filtration system.
The Viper ACR made a return for the ZB II generation and was put through its paces at the Nurburgring clocking in a record time of 7:22.1. Kuno Wittmer piloted a street legal 2010 Dodge Viper ACR to a record lap of 1:59.995 at Miller Mortorsports Park in Tooele, Utah, on Monday, April 11, breaking the 2-minute mark for the first time in a production car on the 3.048-mile Outer Course configuration.
On November 4, 2009, Dodge Brand President and CEO Ralph Gilles had announced that the Viper would end production in the summer of 2010.
During an event hosted by Dodge and the Viper Club of America on July 1, 2010, the final production ZB II Viper, which was given a gold finish and accentuated by contrasting orange stripes, rolled off the assembly line and was presented before attendees of the ceremony.
At a dealer conference on September 14, 2010 in Orlando, Florida, the then Chrysler Group and Fiat CEO Sergio Marchionne was reported to have concluded his remarks by unveiling a rolling 2012 Dodge Viper prototype. There would be no 2011 model year Viper produced. Quotes from the Detroit News from SRT CEO Ralph Gilles that hint to the future of the brand included:
"The new Viper is not based on anything else."
"The Viper cabin is very rearward and the hood is very long. Few cars in the industry are designed with those proportions anymore."
"I want the new Viper to be a more forgiving car to drive and accessible to more people. We've never had stability control on a high-performance car, which is about to happen on the new car."
The Viper was also on display for one night only in Salt Lake City, UT at the 11th Viper Owners Invitational or VOI 11 from September 30, 2010 to October 3, 2010. Ralph Gilles was present, gathering feedback from the owners themselves on new, exterior design of the snake. The Generation-5 badge was unveiled as well at this event on each dining table in the hall.
In Autumn of 2011, Ralph Gilles announced that the next generation of the Viper would debut at the New York Auto Show in April 2012.
The 2013 SRT Viper was unveiled at the 2012 New York Auto Show with a 8,382 cc (8.4 L; 511.5 cu in) V10 engine producing 640 hp (477 kW; 649 PS) at 6,150 rpm and 600 lb⋅ft (813 N⋅m) of torque at 4,950 rpm. Tremec TR6060 six-speed manual transmission with final drive ratio 3.55, 50 percent improvement in torsional stiffness over previous model. It also got electronic stability control, traction control, 4-channel anti-lock brake system (ABS), carbon fiber and aluminum skin with 0.364 drag coefficient (Cd), Pirelli P Zero Z-rated tires, 4-piston Brembo brakes with fixed-aluminum calipers with vented 355x32mm diameter rotors. Performance wise, the maximum speed of 208 mph (332 km/h) and a 0-60 mph acceleration time of 3.50 seconds were very competitive.
The only notable change for the 2014 model year was the addition of a third traction control mode for improved rain performance. Sales of the Viper for 2013 and 2014 were poor. In October 2013, the Viper production was reduced by 1/3 due to low sales and growing inventory. In April 2014, production ceased for over two months due to slow sales. Dodge addressed the issue by reducing the price of unsold 2014 models by US$15,000 and announced the 2015 models would carry the new, lower price tag
In 2015, the SRT Viper was renamed the Dodge Viper and the engine received an extra 5 hp, raising the maximum power output to 645 hp (481 kW), resulting in the improvement of highway fuel economy to 20mpg.
In October 2015, Fiat Chrysler group announced that the Viper would end production in 2017. Initially, Fiat Chrysler cited poor sales as a reason for discontinuing the Viper; however, other sources have stated the car was discontinued because the Viper was unable to comply with FMVSS 226 safety regulation, which requires side curtain air bags. In July 2017, Fiat Chrysler announced they would be permanently closing the Conner Assembly Plant on August 31, 2017.
Dodge Viper Basics
Manufacturer: Dodge
Production: 1991–2010, 2013–2017
Assembly: United States: Detroit, Michigan (New Mack Assembly; 1991–1995); (Conner Avenue Assembly; 1996–2017)
Body style: 2-door liftback coupe (1996–2017), 2-door convertible (1991–2010)
Layout: Front mid-engine, RWD
Engine: 8.0 L (488 cu in) V10
Engine: 8.3 L (506 cu in) V10
Engine: 8.4 L (513 cu in) V10
Did You Know?
Early models were notoriously bare-bones, lacking basics like side windows, exterior door handles, and even air conditioning (in the very beginning).
The Viper's original V10 engine was designed with help from Lamborghini (which was owned by Chrysler at the time).
"The Viper is an automotive sociopath...it's a car without a conscience."
Car and Driver (1992)
Dodge Viper Generations
The Dodge Viper stands as a monument to American automotive audacity. This iconic supercar, with its unapologetically raw nature and timeless silhouette, has captivated enthusiasts since its shocking debut. From its early days as a minimalist roadster powered by a monstrous V10, to a refined grand tourer with advanced technology, the Viper's evolution is a tale of relentless power and refinement. Join us as we take a thrilling journey through the Viper's history, exploring each generation's unique character, its triumphs on the track, and the limited edition models that have become legends in their own right. Below, we take you through every Dodge Viper generation, in detail.
1st Generation Dodge Viper Basics
Name: Dodge Viper (SR 1)
Production: 1991 - 1995
Model Years: 1992 - 1995
Assembly: Detroit
Designer: Tom Gale
Cylinders: V10
Displacement: 7990 cm3
Power: 455 HP @ 5200 RPM
Torque: 490 lb-ft @ 3700 RPM
Top Speed: 180.2 mph (290 km/h)
0-62 Mph: 4.5 s
Drive: Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox: 6 Speed Manual
Length: 176.2 in (4475 mm)
Width: 75.7 in (1923 mm)
Height: 44 in (1118 mm)
Front/rear Track: 59.6/60.6 in (1,514/1,539 mm)
Wheelbase: 96.2 in (2443 mm)
Weight: 3439.8 lbs (1560 kg)
Production
6,709 (Total), 285 (1992), 1043 (1993), 3083 (1994), 1577 (1995), 721 (1996)
Did You Know
The 1st gen Viper stayed incredibly close to its original concept car design, a rarity in the automotive world.
The early RT/10 models were true roadsters – no roof, no real windows (they had clip-in canvas ones!), and absolutely no air conditioning.
First Generation Dodge Viper (1991-1995)
The first generation of the Dodge Viper debuted in 1991, but Chrysler didn't offer it to the general public. Instead, two pre-production models served as the Indianapolis 500 pace cars. The Viper wasn't supposed to debut until 1992, but after United Auto Workers complained about the Japanese-built Dodge Stealth serving as the pace car, Chrysler had to pivot to their American-made Dodge Viper. The concept Viper generated a significant amount of public interest after its exposure, and completed models arrived in dealer showrooms in 1992.
The SR1 generation of Dodge Vipers premiered to the public at the 1992 Detroit Auto Show, with the model officially called the RT/10. Since Chrysler designed the Viper as a performance car, it didn't come with many of the bells and whistles you might expect. There was no air conditioning, key cylinders or exterior-mounted door handles. Even more surprising, there were no air bags, as Chrysler wanted to keep the weight down.
The sleek, minimal design also came without a hardtop roof. Instead, the roof was made of a removable canvas. There were no permanent windows on the car, either. The windows were made from vinyl, which could be opened and closed with zippers. The lack of certain comforts in the car sent a clear message that this car wasn't meant to be a standard vehicle — the car was built for speed.
Overall, the two-door convertible Viper did have a few comforts. There was a high fidelity sound system and clock attached to an AM/FM stereo cassette player. Additionally, buyers would find interior carpeting and adjustable sport bucket seats made out of leather. In later models of this generation, buyers could even choose a hardtop option to replace the canvas roof. Buyers could also purchase an adjustable performance suspension system.
The main draw of the vehicle was the engine. The 8-liter Viper V-10 engine was rated at 400 horsepower with 450 pound-feet of torque. With all this power behind it, the Viper could fly.
Assisting the speed and power of the car was the vehicle's tubular steel frame, which gave the car a lightweight body. It also lacked anti-lock brakes and traction control, removing any common modern driver aids drivers were used to. With the reduced weight and powerful engine, the SR 1 could go from 0 miles per hour to 60 miles per hour in under five seconds and also make a quarter-mile in just over 13 seconds. When drivers gunned the car to its max speed, it reached over 160 miles per hour.
The car's handling could be a little difficult. Though the car had larger-diameter, aluminum alloy wheels, it could still be hard to drive at high speeds. Unexperienced drivers may want to stay away from this generation. Some drivers reported being burned by the side muffler placed under the door when exiting the vehicle.
The SR1 was offered from 1991 to 1995, with minimal changes to it. Eventually, the team at Chrysler decided they wanted to try to best themselves with a new version of the Viper.
Second Generation Dodge Viper (1996-2002)
The second generation was launched in 1996 and was referred to by its codename "SR II." This new Viper featured some redesigns and updates through its six-year run. Since it was a Viper, it also gained more power. This model retained the same name, the RT/10.
The initial model offered in 1996 still came with the potentially dangerous side exhaust pipes, but by the middle of the year, they were gone. They were replaced with a single muffler at the rear of the vehicle. Since the muffler exited via two central tailpipes, the car's back pressure was reduced, leading to an increase in horsepower. This mid-year model went up to 410 horsepower and had 488 pound-feet of torque.
There were some other changes to separate the RT/10 from the first generation. For instance, the second generation Viper had a slidable glass window and a removable hardtop. Additionally, Dodge swapped out some of the older steel suspension components with aluminum to help reduce the car's weight. Dodge changed the previous generation's three-spoke wheels to five-spoke wheels. In 1997, the RT/10 began offering air bags and power windows as standard options.
At the end of 1996, a new Viper GTS coupe arrived with even more power than the RT/10. The GTS featured 450 horsepower and 490 pound-feet of torque. With all this power backing it, the car's top speed was 180 miles per hour, and it could go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in close to 4.5 seconds.
In addition to the GTS's incredible power, it also came with some niceties not found on the RT/10 initially. When first released, the GTS came with power glass side windows, exterior door handles, air bags and air conditioning. Buyers didn't have any choice in transmission, as Dodge only offered a six-speed manual transmission.
The GTS also provided customers a different look than the RT/10. This coupe featured a curved, long hood. The hood's side and middle vents also came with an air scoop. The roof arrived with two Gurney bubbles, which gave drivers more headroom. To make the vehicle stand out, Dodge made sure the fenders were large, with vents located behind the wheels. Dodge also added a duck-tail spoiler on the rear of the car, which served to differentiate the GTS from the RT/10 and provided some performance benefits.
In 1998, Dodge gave both Viper options a few updates, such as lighter exhaust manifolds, a revised camshaft and second generation air bags. In 2000, Dodge improved the RT/10's frame and gave it lighter hypereutectic pistons. In 2001, Dodge also added an anti-lock braking system. The last year the RT/10 and GTS models were offered was 2002.
2nd Generation Dodge Viper Basics
Name: Dodge Viper (SR II)
Production: 1995 - 2002
Model Years: 1996 - 2002
Assembly: Detroit
Designer: Tom Gale
Cylinders: V10
Displacement: 7990 cm3
Power: RT/10 (1996–1997): 415 hp, RT/10 (1998–2002) and GTS: 450 hp, GTS-R GT2 Championship Edition (1998) and ACR (1999–2002): 460 hp
Drive: Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox: 6 Speed Manual
Length: 176.7 in (4488 mm)
Width: 75.7 in (1923 mm)
Height: 47 in (1194 mm)
Front/rear Track: 59.6/60.6 in (1,514/1,539 mm)
Wheelbase: 96.2 in (2443 mm)
Weight: 3459.6 lbs (1569 kg)
Production
10422 (Total), 1166 (1996), 1788 (1997), 1216 (1998), 1249 (1999), 1789 (2000), 1751 (2001), 1463 (2002)
Did You Know
The GTS model introduced a sleek coupe body style with its iconic "double bubble" roofline.
3rd Generation Dodge Viper Basics
Name: Dodge Viper (ZB1)
Production: 2002 - 2006
Model Years: 2003 - 2006
Assembly: Detroit
Designer: Ralph Gilles
Cylinders: V10
Displacement: 8285 cm3
Power: 500 - 510 hp
Drive: Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox: 6 Speed Manual
Length: 175.6 in (4460 mm)
Width: 75.7 in (1922 mm)
Height: 47.6 in (1210 mm)
Wheelbase: 98.8 in (2510 mm)
Weight: coupé: 1,556 kg (3,430 lb),
roadster: 1,530 kg (3,373 lb)
Production
8184 (Total), 1875 (2003), 2435 (2004), 2005 (2005), 1869 (2006)
Did You Know
The 3rd gen boasted a sharper, more angular design evolution and the V10 engine grew to a monstrous 8.3 liters.
Third Generation Dodge Viper (2003-2007)
In 2003, Dodge released an all-new Viper SRT-10, replacing the previous RT/10. To separate this generation of the Viper from the previous two, the Viper team significantly restyled the SRT-10. It featured much more angled bodywork, giving it a sharper appearance. The team also dropped the chassis weight and increased its rigidity. Initially, Dodge only offered the SRT-10 in a two-door convertible style, and it only came with a six-speed Tremec T56 manual transmission.
The restyled Dodge Viper's appearance matched its incredible power. The previous 8-liter engine was replaced by an 8.3-liter engine. The SRT-10's upgraded engine came with 500 horsepower and 525 pound-feet of torque. Even with the increased power, the engineering team at Dodge was able to significantly reduce the weight of the engine. With all these changes, it went from 0 to 60 in 3.9 seconds and completed the quarter-mile in under 12 seconds. It also reached a top speed of 190 miles per hour.
Dodge offered a two-door coupe version of the Viper in 2006. This coupe came outfitted with some of the GTS's trademark design features, such as the previous car's taillights and a double-bubble roof shape. Buyers could also select an SRT-10 Coupe in the iconic GTS blue exterior color with white stripes. The third generation coupe also incorporated the tail shape of the GTS in the rear. For those who loved the Viper GTS, the SRT-10 Coupe was the car for them.
Alongside the design changes to the SRT-10 Coupe, the car also came with an even more powerful engine than its convertible counterpart. The car reached 510 horsepower and 535 pound-feet of torque. This coupe went from 0 to 60 in 4.2 seconds and could hit the quarter-mile in 12.2 seconds. No new Vipers were made for the 2007 model year, causing the third generation of Dodge Vipers to go out relatively quietly.
Fourth Generation Dodge Viper (2008-2010)
In 2008, the fourth generation of Dodge Vipers arrived. This new generation was named the ZB II and came with several new features and changes. One major design addition to the revitalized SRT-10 was the inclusion of a vented engine cover over the front of the car. Other than this change to the exterior, there weren't many notable adjustments to the car's exterior, as most of the redesign features were mechanical.
A new generation of Dodge Vipers meant a new and improved engine. The Dodge team changed from the previous generation's 8.3-liter engine to an 8.4-liter V-10 engine. This new engine offered 600 horsepower and 560 pound-feet of torque. The SRT-10 reached a top speed of 202 miles per hour, with a 0 to 60 miles per hour time of 3.5 seconds. In tests, the Dodge Viper could hit the quarter-mile in just 11.6 seconds.
Part of the engine's improved performance was the addition of larger-valved and better flowing heads. Dodge also added dual electronic throttle bodies and variable valve timing. The electronic engine control was also upgraded, adding significantly more processing power and a controller that monitored the cylinder position and crankshaft.
Like past versions of the vehicle, the new SRT-10 only came with a manual transmission. However, this transmission was improved, with the T56 transmission replaced by the Tremec TR-6060. This new transmission featured doubles for the car's higher gears and triple first-gear synchronizers. The car reused the previous model's rear axle but added a new GKN LiscoLok speed-sensing limited-slip differential. This new feature made it so the tires had a better grip when accelerating.
This version of the SRT-10 removed the run-flat tires, replacing them with Michelin Pilot Sport 2 tires. These new tires provided greater driver feedback and increased grip. The team at Dodge also upgraded the suspension, adding new shock-valving, anti-roll bars and springs.
One of the criticisms of the third generation Dodge Viper was the design team's placement of the exhaust crossover beneath the seats. This placement caused a lot of heat to go into the cockpit. The fourth generation Dodge Viper changed that. This new SRT-10 came with a fresh exhaust system, which had no crossover and reduced heat into the cockpit. In 2010, Dodge decided to end the fourth generation.
4th Generation Dodge Viper Basics
Name: Dodge Viper (ZBII)
Production: 2007 - 2010
Model Years: 2008 - 2010
Assembly: Detroit
Designer: Ralph Gilles
Cylinders: V10
Displacement: 8382 cm3
Power: 600 hp
Drive: Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox: 6 Speed Manual
Length: 175.6 in (4460 mm)
Width: 75.7 in (1922 mm)
Height: 47.6 in (1210 mm)
Wheelbase: 98.8 in (2510 mm)
Weight: 1,556 kg - 1,530 kg
Production
2766 (Total), 1596 (2008), 660 (2009), 510 (2010)
Did You Know
The engine received another displacement bump, to 8.4 liters and the Viper finally got electronic stability control and an anti-lock braking.
5th Generation Dodge Viper Basics
Name: Dodge Viper (VX I)
Production: 2012 - 2017
Model Years: 2013 - 2017
Assembly: Detroit
Designer: Scott Krugger
Cylinders: V10
Displacement: 8382 cm3
Power: 645–650 hp
Drive: Rear Wheel Drive
Gearbox: 6 Speed Manual
Length: 175.7 in (4460 mm)
Width: 76.4 in (1940 mm)
Height: 49.1 in (1250 mm)
Wheelbase: 98.9 in (2510 mm)
Weight: 1,495 kg 1,556 kg
Production
3735 (Total), 999 (2013), 985 (2014), 676 (2015), 590 (2016), 485 (2017)
Did You Know
Dodge dropped the "SRT-10" moniker with this generation, going back to simply calling it the Dodge Viper SRT.
Fifth Generation Dodge Viper (2013-2017)
The fifth generation Dodge Viper arrived in 2013, featuring greater power and the return of the GTS. Buyers could choose between the GTS or the SRT Viper. Of course, there were some differences between the two models, with one of the most notable being the SRT featuring two functional vents on the hood and the GTS featuring six of them.
The SRT Viper came with some unique features that enhanced buyer comfort. Drivers could enjoy an 8.4-inch touch screen and an Alpine surround system. Drivers were also happy to see cruise control, keyless entry, power seats and heated seats included as options for the vehicle.
The car had a 4-inch thin-film transistor, which could be reconfigured and provided drivers with information about the car and system messages. The transistor also had controls drivers could use to turn off various features, like stability control and traction control.
The SRT Viper GTS came with a park brake bezel, HVAC outlets, leather upholstery, color accents on several areas and Sabelt racing seats featuring a fiberglass shell and Kevlar. It also had split six-spoke wheels made out of forged aluminum, a carbon-fiber hood and roof, aluminum door panels, window shift bezels and a shifter base.
This Viper continued the trend of providing greater power to every generation. The 8.4-liter V-10 engine on both models generated up to 640 horsepower and 600 pound-feet of torque. In 2015, Dodge upgraded the engine to 645 horsepower. On the track, the Viper could hit a top speed of 206 miles per hour and go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in only 3.5 seconds. Fifth generation Vipers came with a six-speed Tremec TR-6060 manual transmission.
Unfortunately, the Viper's fifth generation didn't lead to high sales. In 2013, production of the Vipers was reduced by a third and then entirely stopped for a couple of months. Some believe the lack of strong sales numbers led to the discontinuation of the Viper after 2017. Others have suggested the car didn't continue because Dodge couldn't redesign it to meet safety regulations requiring side curtain air bags.
"The Viper has evolved, it's still brutally powerful but with newfound composure on the track."
Road & Track (2003)